Will Carlo Ancelotti lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup glory?

The Brazilian Football Confederation's striking appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the national team head coach has certainly raised a few eyebrows with the 2026 World Cup little over a year away.

Set to become only the fourth non-Brazilian to lead the national team, Ancelotti's seismic arrival sparks hope that Brazil can banish their recent anguish and challenge for a record-extending sixth World Cup success.

The Italian will commence his new role at the end of May once his trophy-laden association with Real Madrid concludes at the end of the La Liga season.

Labelling Ancelotti as a "legend of the game", the CBF's pursuit of a foreign coach signifies a bold rethink as they look to reassert themselves as a dominant force on the international football scene.

Brazil's qualifying campaign a cause for concern

While Brazil's presence at the 2026 World Cup is not under threat, the Seleção have failed to set the world alight in an underwhelming qualification campaign.

Currently fourth in the CONMEBOL standings, a 4-1 hammering from fabled rivals Argentina saw them slip 10 points behind the Albiceleste and ultimately cost Dorival Junior his job.

Brazil have been scoring goals - only Argentina have chalked up more in the qualification process - but they've also been conceding them at an alarming rate, with only the bottom four teams in the CONMEBOL table shipping more than their 16.

The first item on Ancelotti's agenda will be to shore up Brazil's leaky defence, with the 65-year-old looking to impose a structure which doesn't detract from their samba flair.

Ancelotti will begin his tenure with a difficult fixture in Guayaquil against Ecuador, who currently sit two points above Brazil, before hosting Paraguay. Victories in both fixtures would secure Brazil's qualification prior to the September international break.

Familiarity with Seleção stars

A quartet of Brazil's key personnel are extremely aware of Ancelotti's methods and there is one individual in particular who has prospered under the Italian's tutelage.

Vinicius Jr has evolved into one of the world's best players whilst Ancelotti was at the Real Madrid helm, but despite his sensational domestic form, the winger has left plenty to be desired on the international stage.

Brazil's craving for a talisman has heightened in the wake of Neymar's persistent battle with injuries. There is a growing expectation on Vinicius Jr to not only fill the void, but to thrive in it.

Rodrygo is another to have benefited from Ancelotti's reassuring presence. Despite his increasing frustration at a lack of game time in the wake of Kylian Mbappe's arrival, Rodrygo should revel in reacquainting with the manager who helped to elevate him into a dependable performer for Los Blancos.

Eder Militao's career has been beset by injuries of late but, if fit, could play a key role in Brazil's quest at the World Cup.

The effervescent Endrick, hailed as the next Brazilian superstar, was scolded by Ancelotti in April for "clowning around" when missing a gilt-edged opportunity for Real Madrid against Getafe. Ancelotti has shown Endrick plenty of tough love in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If everyone is available, the spine of Brazil's squad is strong.

A central defensive pairing of Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes in front of Alisson sounds daunting to opposition, while Bruno Guimarães is proving himself to be an elite operator at Newcastle United.

Let's not forget Ballon d'Or contender Raphinha, who will be eager to sustain his current form into the subsequent campaign as he eyes a starring role for Brazil at the World Cup.

Serial winner with knockout tournament pedigree

Ancelotti has virtually conquered all before him at club level and success on the international stage would only cement his status as one of the greatest managers to have graced the game.

At Real Madrid, the Italian was able to strike a balance between pragmatism and ingenuity, giving Los Blancos a platform from which they could persistently remain in a UEFA Champions League tie before striking a killer blow at the other end.

It was a structure which ultimately transformed them into Europe's indomitable force, defeating opponents they probably should never have conquered.

If Ancelotti can unearth a structure which makes Brazil difficult to beat, he's got an array of attacking quality who are capable of producing match-winning moments.

As we've witnessed many an occasion in major tournaments, substance more often than not prevails over style.

Ancelotti's remit is to win the World Cup and on the face of it, the Brazilian Football Confederation couldn't have hired a candidate more qualified.